The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:

"to your nominated bank account" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

",000,000" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

"00,000.00" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.

akin_george_taylor01@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Although you might be apprehensive about my email as we have not met
before, I am Mr Akin George Taylor, I am a Banker i work with (GTBank)
There is the sum of $25,000,000.00 in my Bank "GUARANTY TRUST BANK"Abuja
Nigeria, There were no beneficiaries stated concerning these funds which
means no one would ever come forward to claim it.

That is why I ask that we work together so as to have the sum transfered
out of my Bank into another Bank Account. I will be pleased to see if you
can help me and also be a good and trusted person. Once the funds have
been transferred to your Nominated Bank Account we shall then share in the
ratio of 60% for me, 40% for you. do send me a mail as soon as possible
for more details here is my email address:
akin_george_taylor01@yahoo.com.hk